Peripheral neuropathy decisions — 2015

The Veteran's claim for service connection for headaches is denied as there is no evidence of a headache disorder during the pendency of his claim. The claims for increased ratings and service connection for other conditions are remanded due to the need for additional examinations.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for right lower extremity/sciatic neuropathy, to include as secondary to his service-connected L-1 vertebra compression fracture, has been denied. The Board found no current disability of the right leg and that the evidence does not support a finding of neuropathy.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's peripheral neuropathy of both legs is related to his service, specifically his exposure to herbicides in Vietnam. The claims are granted.

The Veteran's appeal has been withdrawn, and the Board is dismissing his appeal for a higher initial rating for diabetes mellitus, type II, with peripheral neuropathy of the feet.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for peripheral neuropathy of both lower extremities and hypertension. The Board found that there was no evidence to support a finding that these conditions were related to military service or any other compensable degree within one year of discharge.

The Board has reopened the Veteran's claim for service connection for left lower extremity peripheral neuropathy and determined that new and material evidence has been received. The Veteran is not entitled to a rating in excess of 20 percent for diabetes mellitus type II, 30 percent for diabetic nephropathy, or initial ratings in excess of 30 percent for right and left upper extremity peripheral neuropathy with carpal tunnel syndrome.

The Veteran's initial higher ratings for peripheral neuropathy of the left and right lower extremities have been granted.,A compensable initial rating for erectile dysfunction has also been granted.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including type II diabetes mellitus with hypertension and bilateral knee condition, have rendered him unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation. The Board has granted his claim for total disability rating based on individual unemployability.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for further development, including obtaining VA and private medical records, securing SSA disability benefits application records, and scheduling a VA social and industrial survey.

The Board has ordered a remand to clarify the appellant's service dates and request for an addendum VA examination. The claims will be returned to the RO/AMC for further review.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including a new VA examination and the release of private medical records. The claims for increased rating and TDIU are inextricably intertwined.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for lower extremity peripheral neuropathy, finding that it did not manifest within a year of his last exposure to herbicide agents and was caused by his non-service connected back disability.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's cognitive impairment warrants a 70% evaluation, but not more, and he is entitled to compensation under 38 C.F.R. § 1151 for polyneuropathy and residual Vitamin B-12 deficiency due to improper use of medications used to treat a GI disorder or other disability incurred in service.

The Veteran has withdrawn his appeal for service connection for diabetes mellitus, left arm impingement with neuropathy, and migraine headaches. As a result, the Board does not have jurisdiction to further consider these matters.

The Board found that the Veteran's hearing loss did not warrant a compensable rating, and denied service connection for upper extremity neuropathy due to lack of evidence supporting direct service connection.

The Board has granted the Veteran's application to reopen his claim for service connection for peripheral neuropathy of the lower extremities and has determined that this condition is proximately due to his service-connected diabetes mellitus.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for a new VA examination to determine the severity of his peripheral neuropathy, which he claims as a manifestation of his service-connected diabetes mellitus.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for bilateral upper extremity radiculopathy and neuropathy was denied. The claims for increased evaluations of cervical spine degenerative arthritis and right knee status post repair of ACL and torn meniscus were also denied.

The Board found no evidence of current right quadriceps, right lower leg, right knee synovitis, or left lower extremity peripheral neuropathy disabilities. The Veteran's claims for service connection were denied as there is no current disability to support the claims.

The Board has remanded the case due to the need for additional development, including obtaining SSA records. The Veteran's appeal remains pending and will be reconsidered after these actions.